Brands
Skybags packs its bags with CSK as cricket gets a stylish carry-on
Youth brand enters sports with co-branded luggage as CSK’s official partner.
MUMBAI: When cricket fever meets travel style, even luggage gets a team jersey. Skybags has stepped onto the sporting field by launching its official licensed Chennai Super Kings merchandise, becoming the team’s official luggage partner for the 2026 season. The move marks Skybags’ strategic entry into sports marketing, beginning with cricket, often described as nothing short of a national obsession in India. The partnership will see Skybags retail an exclusive range of co-branded luggage and backpacks inspired by CSK’s iconic visual identity, blending team pride with practical design for today’s always-on-the-move consumers.
The association also strengthens the sports-focused ambitions of VIP Industries Limited, Skybags’ parent company, as it looks to engage younger audiences through high-energy platforms and fan-led cultural moments. Skybags will be integrated into CSK’s fan engagement activities throughout the 2026 season, while the official merchandise will continue to be sold even after the cricket league concludes.
Pricing has been positioned to appeal to a wide fan base. The co-branded luggage range will start at Rs 4,590, while backpacks will be available from Rs 1,999, making team colours accessible beyond the stadium.
VIP Industries Limited managing director and CEO Atul Jain said the partnership reflects a natural alignment. Cricket, he noted, is deeply woven into India’s cultural fabric, and CSK’s reputation for consistency, excellence and talent development mirrors Skybags’ own brand values. He added that this collaboration is intended as the first of several meaningful sporting associations for Skybags.
From the franchise’s side, Chennai Super Kings managing director KS Viswanathan said the partnership adds a new dimension to fan engagement. By extending CSK branding into everyday travel products, the collaboration gives supporters another way to express their loyalty beyond match days.
The Skybags x CSK range will be available across more than 500 retail outlets nationwide, all major e-commerce platforms, and through the CSK website, CSK app and the Skybags online store. As India pushes towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse, Skybags is betting that fandom does not stop at the boundary rope and that even a suitcase can carry team spirit.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
