Shubman Gill's century at Edgbaston wasn't just another milestone; it was a raw, unfiltered display of emotion that hinted at the pressures he's been facing. The usually composed exterior cracked, revealing the fire ignited by captaincy expectations and the scrutiny following India's defeat in the first Test against England.

Gill walked out to bat with a point to prove. Questions surrounded his captaincy after India's loss at Leeds, where they failed to defend a substantial lead. Former head coach Ravi Shastri even urged Gill to be "more proactive". The weight of these expectations seemed to fuel his innings at Edgbaston.

His knock of 114 wasn't just about numbers; it was about control and determination. Gill demonstrated patience and precision, bringing up his century off 199 balls, laced with 11 boundaries, while wickets fell around him. This century was his 7th in Test cricket, his second of the series, and his fourth on English soil, solidifying his position in the red-ball format.

The celebration that followed was telling. A roar of relief, helmet aloft, a kiss to the bat, and a bow to the crowd – it was a far cry from his usual understated demeanor. This wasn't just a celebration of a century; it was a release of pent-up frustration and a statement of intent.

Gill's innings also etched his name in the record books. He became only the third Indian captain to score centuries in consecutive Tests against England, joining Vijay Hazare and Mohammad Azharuddin. He also joined an elite club of Indian captains to score hundreds in each of their first two Tests at the helm, alongside Virat Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar, and Hazare.

Leading up to the series, Gill acknowledged the pressure of captaincy. He expressed his desire to focus on his batting and not let the leadership role weigh him down. "When I want to go out there and bat, I want to play as a batter and not think about the captaincy, which can put pressure on me. I want to be the best batter in the series," Gill said. He also recognized the significance of the series, stating that winning a Test series in England is bigger than winning the IPL.

Despite his efforts to compartmentalize his responsibilities, the pressure was palpable. Dinesh Karthik had even cautioned Gill about the enormity of captaining India in England, highlighting the vulnerability of the English bowling attack but also acknowledging the pressure the English batting would exert.

Gill's century at Edgbaston was a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. It was an innings that showcased his skill and also provided a glimpse into the emotions he had been holding back. It remains to be seen how Gill will continue to handle the expectations of captaincy, but his performance at Edgbaston suggests that he is ready to embrace the challenge and lead from the front.