With Virender Sehwag around, there cannot be a dull moment on the field or off it.

His Delhi teammates rediscovered this when he cracked jokes, pulled their legs and generally kept everyone in good humour during a brief appearance during a Ranji Trophy match here.

The swashbuckling batsman, enjoying a few rare off days from national duty, visited Jamia Millia Islamia, where the Delhi-Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy match is on, and infused some much-needed humour in the dressing room as the hosts struggled against the visitors.

Dressed in a full-sleeved striped T-shirt and black jeans, Sehwag, who has been named Delhi captain for the ongoing 2004-05 season, was there to cheer up his team.

As his teammates, who were trying to contain the Madhya Pradesh batsmen from taking the first innings lead, trudged back head down to the dressing, they were received by a smiling "Veeru", as Sehwag is lovingly called.

Suddenly, the players' sombre mood lit up as Sehwag started pulling their legs, cracking jokes, and checking out their bats.

"Why have you reduced the weight of your bat?" the 26-year-old, who himself plays with a 1,200-gram bat, asked N.S. Negi.

Sometime later, another player asked respectfully: "Viru bhai, khana (food)?"

"Ok, what food is there?" pat came the reply from Sehwag, known for his quick wit and one-liners.

Sehwag stayed back to sign autographs and the same atmosphere was recreated in the dressing room when his team mates returned from the dining hall.

Since he had driven for about one-and-half hours from his Najafgarh suburb residence in west Delhi to reach Jamia at the other end of the city, Sehwag kept standing for some time, which made the other players and officials also leave their seats in respect.

All this clearly caused a bit of embarrassment for Sehwag, and soon he made everyone comfortable.

As the students of Jamia, watching the match from the galleries above the dressing room, came to know about Sehwag's presence, they started peeping inside the dressing room from every possible angle.

Sehwag, who has played 29 Tests and 104 one-day internationals, then signed a few more autograph books before proceeding for lunch.

After the meal, Sehwag and his Indian team opening partner Gautam Gambhir, was presented the Delhi team kits.

Sehwag, who made his Delhi debut in 1997-98, and Gambhir have not played a Ranji match in the current season as they were busy playing against South Africa in the just-concluded Test series.

Sehwag, who joined Jamia for a bachelor of arts course in 1997, received his degree on June 4, the day he also laid the foundation stone of a spectators' gallery.

Ironically, he has so far not played any Ranji or other important match at Jamia.