However captain Brendon McCullum is rapt with Santner's rise and dropped a broad hint that he could become the first choice allrounder sooner rather than later.
''Jeez, it's pretty hard to ignore Mitchell Santner as well," he said after the test on the Anderson/Neesham allround equation.
The first thing you notice about the 23-year-old mechanical engineering student is his laidback demeanour. He movements in the field are languid and admitted he's been called 'flatline' and other similarly unflattering nicknames but evidently the duck theory is in play - the outer/above water calm hides plenty of unseen jitters.
''I had nerves that night," he said of the night before the test began.
''Trying to sleep was a bit of an issue, but I tried to treat it as another game, which obviously it wasn't."
The Aussies offered a few thoughts in the middle - ''(Offspinner Nathan) Lyon said 'are you nervous'? I was like 'yeah', and that kind of stopped the convo).
''I was nervous inside but tried not to show it. Once the first ball went for four it was a bit easier. Playing for my country is a big thing. I always had a dream to play a test for New Zealand."
Comparisons with former captain Dan Vettori are inevitable. Both left arm spinners and capable lefthand batsmen, both from Hamilton, and it's not surprise the most successful New Zealand spinner has had an impact on the younger man's development.
''He was my idol, wanting to be like him. He did have a significant impact on my growing up and the way I bowl now.
''I was lucky enough to play a couple of games with him a few seasons ago. It taught me a lot just being around him and the way he goes about things and it progressed my game a bit better."
As for the comparisons, Santner quipped that while he aimed to emulate Vettori's bowling ''maybe batting I stay a bit more in line than him".
''But if I can have half as good a career as Vettori I'll be happy."
Vettori dropped him a message before the test began - ''that was quite cool".
Santner is an example of not relying solely on numbers in making selections.
His first-class batting average is 29.84 from 22 matches; his 25 wickets have cost 57.84 apiece.
Selection is about recognising players who have something a bit extra about them. The New Zealand selectors have had their eye on him for several months. He made his ODI debut in England this year.
Santner also changes the possible balance in the test side. Batting at No 6, it leaves room for four other bowlers, either four seamers or a three/one split with a second spinner.
There's much work ahead but the initial indications are Santner could be around for a long time.
Santner has six papers left to finish his degree. He wants to finish that, but cricket is about to take up more of his time.
