as one of the top favorites, having dominated bilateral One Day International (ODI) series leading up to the tournament. Their preparation was a blend of clinical tactical planning, a settled world-class bowling attack, and a persistent, high-profile dilemma in the batting order. Squad Selection and the "Three-Dimensional" Debate
stepped down as limited-overs captain in early 2017 to allow Kohli sufficient time to mold the squad. This transition fostered a "symbiotic relationship" where Kohli led the charge while relying heavily on Dhoni’s tactical acumen behind the stumps. Experts like Sachin Tendulkar
India's preparation resulted in a highly successful group stage, though they fell short in the knockouts. Group Stage Success