Vaibhav Arora Eyes Growth At KKR Ahead Of IPL 2026, Says Working With Tim Southee Will Help Boost Skills

Add as a preferred source on Google

IPL 2026: Vaibhav Arora, Kolkata Knight Riders' premier face bowler, is fine tuning his bowling ahead of IPL 2026. The Kolkata Knight Riders pacer is working on skills and control. He wants to handle different match situations better. The 28-year-old quick is part of KKR’s early training camp.

Arora debuted for KKR in 2023. He has 36 wickets from 32 IPL matches, with a strike rate of 17.72. In IPL 2024, he took 11 wickets in 10 games. He was part of KKR’s title-winning squad that season.

Pre-season focus on practice games and variations

The pacer said preparation for the new season is strong. He is playing practice matches during the camp in Kolkata. He is also polishing different bowling variations in the nets. Arora wants to execute these skills under pressure during games.

Working under bowling coach Tim Southee

Arora is pleased to again work with Tim Southee. The former New Zealand captain is KKR’s bowling coach this season. Southee has more than 700 international wickets. He also played for the Kolkata Knight Riders between 2021 and 2023.

Arora called Southee a legend with huge experience. He said they had shared the KKR dressing room in 2023. Then, he learned many things from the senior seamer. Now he expects more time with Southee to refine his skills.

Adapting to Eden Gardens conditions

Arora discussed bowling with the new ball at Eden Gardens. He said the ball swings for only three or four overs. After that, there is almost no swing on that wicket. He feels variations are vital once movement disappears.

Arora said yorkers with the new ball worked well last year. He tries to use ground size and angles while planning spells. He said pace matters for hard-length balls that cramp batters. Slower balls and slower bouncers also stay key tools.

Building towards next Kolkata Knight Riders camp

Arora underlined the need for mental and physical readiness. The current phase is aimed at fine-tuning skills and fitness. He said the team’s mindset is clear for the next Kolkata camp. Players want to give 110 percent in the upcoming sessions.