ALTHOUGH Tim Murtagh is 98 days older, there's no doubt that Niall O'Brien is the senior pro on the Ireland team. The wicketkeeper/batsman is in the foothills of the Himalayas this weekend, preparing for what will be his, and Ireland's, eighth World Cup.

The often fiery O'Brien has mellowed however, and reckons responsibility has played a role.

“I think being a senior player both for Ireland and for Leicestershire has given me added focus to my game”, he said. “In the past I have sometimes spoken or acted before thinking and now I'm a lot more focused. Off the field I'm a lot more settled which also helps on the field.”

Not that captain William Porterfield will want O'Brien to lose too much of that fire. The ICC World Twenty20 is a tough prospect in Dharamshala, where Ireland must finish top of a group with Oman, Bangladesh and Netherlands.

"There will be three tough games, especially with Bangladesh playing well,” says Porterfield. “Holland too have shown their strength in this format over the last few years, knocking us out last time out.”

While temperatures are a balmy 21C, the altitude of 1,500metres (4,780ft) is right on the mark where athletes' bodies start to be affected

Ireland will be very wary of Bangladesh, who beat Sri Lanka and Pakistan this week to reach today's final of the Asia Cup and have beaten India, South Africa and England in the last 12 months. Before they meet the Asian tigers, however, they face the Dutch, who blew them away in the same competition two years ago.

That game was a salutary lesson, with Ireland's target of 190 being beaten with more than six overs to spare, a run-rate of 13.95 per over.

"I fancy our chances though”, insists the captain, “It's a pretty simple equation – you have to win three games to go through to the Super 10s."

O'Brien agrees. “It's a tough group and for the first time I reckon we are underdogs as Bangladesh are playing some really good cricket. We have been a little indifferent in the last 12 months in this format so we need to up our game if we want to succeed but we have the personnel to do so.”

‘A little indifferent' is generous – Ireland have won just half of 14 completed games of T20, shipping defeats to Scotland (2), Papua New Guinea (2), Hong Kong, Netherlands and UAE.

However, O'Brien is keen to make a mark as one of only three men who have played in all eight global tournaments since Ireland made the breakthrough in the Caribbean in 2007. “It will more than likely be my last global tournament so my aim is to play with no fear and enjoy every moment of it”, he insists. “Being part of every World Cup is something myself William and [his brother] Kevin are very proud of. I think it is a wonderful achievement for any player to be around – and good enough – for such a long period of time. Some of the cricket we played in 2007 was outstanding and hugely motivational for the next generation.”

It hasn't been a bed of roses for O'Brien however, and the retirement of friends such as Trent Johnston and John Mooney made it harder.

“I think for a time I questioned whether I wanted to keep going”, he admits. “I had played a lot of cricket and wasn't massively enjoying touring. But I have had a new lease of life and I'm really enjoying playing for Ireland. Every sportsman has ups and downs but my love for the game is still strong and I am enjoying seeing the side evolve.”

Previous coach Phil Simmons took the wicket-keeping gloves away in 2012, which became a bone of contention between the pair, and a source of friction when the senior bowlers backed O'Brien. New coach John Bracewell has reversed that call and O'Brien will be behind the stumps in India.

“Keeping wicket is what I love to do and when I was not keeping I certainly didn't enjoy the games as much. We have three good keepers in the squad so John has more options than most international coaches. I will keep working hard to deliver behind the sticks for the team.

“Most people didn't get the situation with Simmo. We actually got on very well for the most part. Yes, I chose to go to the Bangladesh Premier League rather than play an I-Cup game against Kenya. For a while it was a bit iffy between us but both Simmo and I are fairly stubborn people so it was always going to take time. But in the end we were good mates and enjoyed each other's company, especially over a beer or two. I enjoy catching up with both Phil and his wife.”

O'Brien is on his a two-year contract with Ireland, and has 200 caps in his sights. A career in England is partly why he had to forgo more than 150 games since his debut in 2002. He's keen to help Irish cricket continue its progress.

“Some of the younger guys have plenty of ability but it takes more to succeed at this level than your batting and bowling. This sport tests you mentally more so than anything else. I am excited to see Andy Balbirnie develop. I am also looking to see the next crop of U19s come through and I would love to work with some of those players.”

As dusk looms over his career, O'Brien has been collecting coaching badges and media experience. “I am enjoying my cricket and feel fit and healthy. I am in my last year at Leicester but I hope to continue playing there for many years to come. I have been in the UK for 14 years and enjoy living there. Who knows where I will end up! I love Ireland and would love to return one day – Hopefully cricket continues to grow at home and I can help the next generation achieve some career highs.”

Ireland fixtures (live on Sky Sports 2): 9 Mar v Oman (2pm), 11 Mar v Netherlands (2pm), 13 Mar v Bangladesh (9.30am).

Squad: W Porterfield (capt, Warwickshire), A Balbirnie (Middlesex), G Dockrell (Leinster Lightning), A McBrine (NW Warriors), T Murtagh (Middlesex), K O'Brien (Leinster Lightning), N O'Brien (Leicestershire), A Poynter (Leinster Lightning), S Poynter (Durham), B Rankin (Warwickshire), M Sorensen (Leinster Lightning), P Stirling (Middlesex), S Thompson (NW Warriors), G Wilson (Surrey), C Young (NW Warriors).