Tim Southee makes KKR homecoming as bowling coach, replacing Bharat Arun, who has moved to LSG ahead of the upcoming season.
Tim Southee returns to KKR as bowling coach for IPL 2026.
“We are delighted to welcome Tim Southee back to the KKR family, this time in a coaching capacity,” KKR chief executive Venky Mysore said in a statement. “Tim’s vast experience and technical expertise will be instrumental in shaping our bowling unit. His leadership qualities and calm approach make him an ideal mentor for our young bowlers.”
Returning to KKR, the team he played for as a player, felt like a natural step, according to Southee, who retired from cricket in 2024 and has since embarked up coaching roles, including with England.
“KKR has always felt like home to me, and it’s an honour to return in this new role,” he said. “The franchise has an incredible culture, passionate fans, and a great group of players. I look forward to working closely with the bowlers and helping the team achieve success in IPL 2026.”
His arrival coincided with major changes to the KKR coaching staff, which is currently led by Abhishek Nayar.
Ottis Gibson, who was the team’s assistant coach the previous season, has left, while former bowling coach Bharat Arun and spin coach Carl Crowe have both joined the Lucknow Super Giants. Dwayne Bravo remains the team mentor, and Shane Watson has joined as their new assistant coach.
As a player, Southee had a lengthy but somewhat turbulent IPL career. He played for the Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians between 2011 and 2023. In 2021, he joined KKR, where he stayed till 2023. In 43 IPL games, he has taken 31 wickets; his finest season was with KKR in 2022, when he took 14 wickets in nine games.