New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders pacers have taken a pounding in their opening two IPL 2026 match defeats but bowling coach Tim Southee is convinced they would come good as the tournament progresses.

KKR’s pace unit are battling multiple absences and even though Blessing Muzarabani claimed four wickets in their 65-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, talented youngsters Vaibhav Arora and Kartik Tyagi are visibly short on experience.

On top of it, veteran spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy have made scant impact, signifying that their bowling attack remains a work in progress.

“It’s certainly a long tournament, two games in. With the setbacks with the bowlers we’ve been unable to have, it presents opportunities for other guys. We’re still excited about the bowling group we’ve got,” Southee said on Sunday, ahead of their home clash against Punjab Kings.

“They’re inexperienced but they’ve got a tremendous amount of skill. We’ve seen it in glimpses in the first two games. It’s our job to get a little bit more consistency out of them.

“Although the first two games haven’t gone to plan, I’m sure they will show how skilful and how good they can be at this level throughout the tournament.”

“It’s always hard when you’re not taking wickets, particularly in the powerplay. Taking wickets early stems the run flow and makes things easier. We haven’t quite managed to do that so far, but we’ll plan accordingly and hopefully take those early wickets.”

With Australian Cameron Green playing only as a batter till he recovers from a back injury and become fit to bowl, the team is yet to find balance in combinations as players such as Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra and Rovman Powell are yet to play.

“I think you look at all the squads, there’s so many good players to choose from. There are discussions around what side best matches up against the opposition and conditions,” Southee said.

“There’s so much talent that it’s hard to get the perfect equilibrium. But it’s the side we thought was best for the first two games. We’ll plan for what we’re going to come up against and pick the team that gives us the best chance.

“Yeah, Green’s been bowling well, tracking his rehab and getting himself back to being able to bowl in games. He’ll continue to do that,” Southee added.

“We’re in regular contact with Cricket Australia and I’m sure we’ll see Cameron bowling soon. I’m sure he’s not far away from bowling in a match.”