When he retired in 1994, he was the most capped Indian Test player, the holder of record for the highest number of Test wickets (434) and had earlier held the record for the highest number of wickets in ODIs as well. Due to his credentials as player and captain, he was appointed as the coach ahead of teammate Kris Srikkanth.
In 1994 upon retiring, he became the most frequently played Indian Test player with the record for the most Test wickets (434) and previously held the mark for the highest number of ODI wickets. His standing as both a player and captain led to his appointment as coach before teammate Kris Srikkanth.