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Three days after giving the smaller nations renewed hope with his pyrotechniques against England in the ongoing World Cup, O` Brien had words of praise for bowlers like Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh.
"India`s bowling attack, of course, we have seen it so many times. They have a world class performer in Zaheer Khan who is very good with the new ball, and we all know about Harbhajan Singh. Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla and R Ashwin are also there," O` Brien told reporters here today ahead of Sunday`s group B match against the co-hosts at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here.
O`Brien, who scored the fastest World Cup hundred that came off just 50 balls, was also well aware of India`s famed batting line-up and seemed to be in awe of Virender Sehwag.
"Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag is one of the best opening pairs. They are extremely difficult to bowl to when in full flow. And with Sehwag, it doesn`t matter even if it`s the first delivery of Test match. If the ball is there to be hit, he will go for it. Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan are known powerhitters," O` Brien said.
His hair streaked, and dyed pink in patches, O`Brien has become a sort of rage back home, but life remains the same for the man who scripted Ireland`s stunning win over their much fancied neighbours England.
"It (life) hasn`t changed much, personally. There have been 100s of messages. But I am focused on the tournament. I spoke to her (Mary McAleese) for a few minutes. It`s always great to get a call form the President (of Ireland)," he said.
Asked about the role of coach Phil Simmons, O`Brien said his experience of playing at the top level has worked in favour of the team.
"He has got a lot of experience, played in Tests and quite a few one-dayers. He was also with Leicestershire. He just tells me to go in and play," O`Brien said.
The stockily built all-rounder, who turned 27 today, has reserved another day for party due to the upcoming match.
"It`s going to be a little laidback," he suggested indicating that the mind is firmly trained on the match.
Asked about the excitement back home around the victory over England, emotions gripped O`Brien`s face.
"We sit down and talk. It has come a long way in the last five years. It`s a huge, very important thing for us," he said.
Ireland knocked Pakistan out in the first round of the last World Cup en route to their Super Eight berth, and have scripted the first upset in this edition.
Teammate John Mooney said with proper exposure, the country can improve its cricketing credentials.
"We as a nation feel that we are going forward and can get better in the next 4-5 years. We have our own expectations and what other people expect, doesn`t come into our camp," Mooney said.
Asked about the Chinnaswamy track that proved to be a nightmare for bowlers, Mooney said, "If you bowl in the right areas, you get something out of it."
"I think in the last game, England probably missed a few chances and we also did," he added.
Going back to the win against England and its implications, he said, "We have got around 350 emails, messages on twitter and facebook. Everybody is so proud."
