Tim Southee last played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. The former New Zealand pacer is returning to the world’s biggest franchise tournament after two seasons. Not as a player, but in a different role.
Kolkata Knight Riders have appointed Southee as the bowling coach for the 2026 IPL. The West Bengal franchise confirmed the matter in a statement today. Southee has replaced Bharat Arun. Arun was the bowling coach of Kolkata last season. He has signed up with Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the new season.
Southee’s relationship with Kolkata is not new. He played for the three-time champions from 2021 to 2023. Southee had his best season in the competition for Kolkata. He took 14 wickets in 9 matches in the 2022 season. In total, Southee took 47 wickets in 54 matches in the IPL. The economy run rate is 8.66.
Southee retired from international cricket in December last year. He then joined coaching. The 36-year-old Southee has worked as a bowling consultant for the England national team. Now he has found a place in the coaching panel of Kolkata.
Southee is one of the best bowlers in New Zealand’s history. He has played 107 Tests, 161 ODIs and 126 T20Is in the country’s jersey. He has taken 776 wickets in international cricket. No other bowler in New Zealand’s history has taken so many wickets.
After becoming the bowling coach of Kolkata, Southee said, ‘Kolkata Knight Riders is like my home. It is an honor for me to return to a new role here. The culture of this franchise is great. Kolkata has great fans and players. I want to win the 2026 IPL for Kolkata.’
Kolkata CEO Banky Mysore said about Southee, ‘We are really happy to invite Team Southee to the KKR family. This time he will give a test here as a coach. “His great experience in his professional career will further strengthen our bowling unit. At the same time, Southee’s leadership ability will inspire the youngsters.”
