Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has started his IPL 2020 campaign on a bad note. So far, he has only managed to score 18 runs from three innings in the UAE. Despite a rusty start, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has backed Virat Kohli to score 500 runs in this season.

Meanwhile, Kohli has returned to action after a gap of nearly six points owing to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Lack of match practice and training has been evident in his performance. Although Royal Challengers Bangalore have secured two wins from three matches, Virat Kohli’s lack of form has been a worrying sign.

Virat Kohli can score 500 runs in IPL 2020 – Sunil Gavaskar

However, it is very early to comment on Virat Kohli and his form, said Sunil Gavaskar. The former India skipper, who was in the headlines for his misinterpreted comments on Anushka Sharma, backed Virat Kohli to score 500 runs in IPL 2020. So far, the talismanic scorer has scores of 14, 1, and 3 in the land of deserts.

“He’s a class act everybody knows that. So what if he’s had 3 quiet matches, he’s the kind of batsman who will make up for it towards the end,” said the original Little Master on air after the match on Monday.

“He may have started slowly but by the time the tournament ends, he will have 400-500 runs which is what he gets every year. There was that one year when he got almost a 1000 runs (in 2016) and hundreds as well (4),” he added.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Match 10: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore- 5 Talking Points

Meanwhile, the 2016 season of IPL was the highlight for Virat Kohli. He had amassed 973 runs in the edition including four centuries. Sunil Gavaskar admitted that this season might not see him do the same but reaching 500 runs still remains realistic.

“He may not get 900 runs (in IPL 2020) because the first 3 matches have been quiet but 500 runs totally, they are all written there,” Sunil Gavaskar added. 

Virat Kohli will look to hit the strides as Royal Challengers Bangalore aim for their maiden IPL trophy. RCB face Rajasthan Royals next on October 3.