Melbourne, Feb 21 (IANS): India vice-captain Virat Kohli said Saturday that he shares great camaraderie with lethal South Africa pacer Dale Steyn and that the latter always hugs him on meeting.

“I have played with Dale Steyn when he was with RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) for three years and we have been good friends since then. Whenever I meet him he gives me the biggest hug. Even before a game, we have always been friendly," Kohli was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

"We know on the field, come game time I will be looking to dominate him and he will be looking to dominate me which is a mutual respect kind of a thing."

India will take on South Africa in what will be the second game of the World Cup for both the teams. While the defending champions defeated traditional rivals Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval last Sunday, the Proteas staved off a challenge from neighbours Zimbabwe the same day.

“Whatever said and done, at that point of time it has been taken in good sportsman spirit because we know after the game we will be best buddies again. I have shared a great friendship with a lot of South African players over the years and Dale has to be one of the more special ones," said the 26-year-old.

“He is a completely different person on the field which is absolutely fine. He is very aggressive and passionate about playing for his country. Off the field, he is a completely different person -- jokes around, laughs all the time and you wouldn’t know about him unless you know him."