Archive · 14 Nov 2025
KKR Appoints New Coaching Staff, Including Tim Southee as Bowling Coach for IPL 2026
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricket team is getting a new group of coaches for the 2026 season.
Abhishek Nair will be the main coach, and Shane Watson will be his assistant.
Tim Southee, who used to play for KKR, is now the new bowling coach.
This is Southee's first time coaching in the IPL, though he has worked with the England cricket team before.
KKR wants to do much better in 2026 after not doing well in the 2025 season.
They had won the championship in 2024 but finished poorly last year.
The new coaches are expected to help the team improve.
KKR has appointed Abhishek Nair as head coach and Shane Watson as assistant coach for IPL 2026.
Tim Southee has joined as the new bowling coach, replacing Bharat Arun.
Southee previously played for KKR for three seasons, last appearing in 2023.
This marks Southee's first IPL coaching role, having previously been a bowling consultant for the England team.
The team aims for a strong comeback in the 2026 season after a disappointing 2025 performance.
- Who
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- What
- Revamped coaching staff including new head coach Abhishek Nair, assistant coach Shane Watson, and bowling coach Tim Southee.
- When
- Ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
- Where
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Why
- To improve team performance after a disappointing 2025 season, aiming for a strong comeback.
Existing Summary
New Article
Bowling Coach Appointment
Existing Summary
Tim Southee appointed as the bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2026 season.
New Article
Tim Southee has been named the new bowling coach, replacing Bharat Arun.
Previous KKR Affiliation
Existing Summary
Southee previously played for KKR from 2021 to 2023.
New Article
Southee said he is happy to return to KKR in a coaching role. He played for the franchise for three seasons and last appeared in 2023.
Coaching Experience
Existing Summary
Southee has extensive international experience with over 700 wickets in 100+ Tests, 150+ ODIs, and 120+ T20Is for New Zealand.
New Article
Southee earlier worked as a bowling consultant for the England team, and this is his first coaching role in the IPL.
Overall Coaching Team
Existing Summary
Tim Southee appointed as the bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the IPL 2026 season.
New Article
Abhishek Nair is the new head coach, and Shane Watson has joined as the assistant coach. Tim Southee has been named the new bowling coach.
Team Performance Context
Existing Summary
Tim Southee appointed KKR Bowling Coach for IPL 2026
New Article
KKR had a poor season in 2025 under Ajinkya Rahane, finishing eighth with only five wins. This was a big drop from 2024, when the team won the IPL title under Shreyas Iyer.
- Team
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- League
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Season
- IPL 2026
- Head Coach
- Abhishek Nair
- Assistant Coach
- Shane Watson
- Bowling Coach
- Tim Southee
- Previous Bowling Coach
- Bharat Arun
- Tim Southee's Previous Role
- Player for KKR (2021-2023), Bowling Consultant for England
Sources
Former RCB & CSK cricketer Shane Watson joins Kolkata Knight Riders coaching staff ahead of IPL 2026
Shane Watson joins KKR as assistant coach for IPL 2026
KKR Announce Shane Watson As Assistant Coach, Former CSK Legend To Take Over Ahead Of IPL 2026
Aussie legend Shane Watson joins KKR support staff
IPL: Shane Watson Named Assistant Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders
Australia Legend Joins Kolkata Knight Riders Ahead Of IPL 2026: 'Always Admired KKR Fans'
Shane Watson joins Kolkata Knight Riders as assistant coach ahead of IPL 2026 season
IPL 2026: Shane Watson named new KKR assistant coach
IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders appoint Shane Watson as assistant coach
IPL 2026: THIS two-time IPL winner Australian all-rounder joins Kolkata Knight Riders as assistant coach
Watson named assistant coach of KKR for IPL 2026
Tim Southee joins KKR as bowling coach
Tim Southee takes over as KKR bowling boss
KKR appoints New Zealand pacer Tim Southee as bowling coach for IPL 2026 - Telegraph India
IPL 2026: KKR announce Tim Southee’s return to franchise as bowling coach, after naming Shane Watson as assistant coach
IPL 2026: Tim Southee joins three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders as bowling coach
Homecoming for Tim Southee at KKR ahead of IPL 2026; ex-New Zealand pacer joins three-time champions in brand new role
