So, is it just another week in the life of a 23-year-old professional cricketer?
"It has been a little bit of a whirlwind,'' he said.
"At the start of the week ... I was hoping to perform well for Otago in that four-day game and never would have thought at the end of the week I'd be in Wellington waiting for the second test to start.''
Everything has happened so fast that Neesham said he was still trying to get his head around the prospect of making his test debut on Friday.
"I'm still trying to gather my thoughts and set a few goals for the next couple of weeks. And I'm trying to stay grounded and just looking forward to the first ball if I'm in the XI.''
Neesham has played 11 one-day internationals and five twenty20 matches for New Zealand, but a spot in the test side appeared blocked with Corey Anderson established as the leading all-rounder and the seam attack of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner all operating at the top of their game.
Neesham replaces Doug Bracewell, who is injured but would probably have been dropped after he went out drinking with Ryder on the eve of the first test.
If Neesham plays, he will surely take legspinner Ish Sodhi's place. Sodhi was ineffective against the Indian batting line-up in the first test and captain Brendon McCullum was reluctant to bowl the young spinner when the match was on the line.
However, without Sodhi the New Zealand attack lacks variety and coach Mike Hesson has shown a willingness to back his players through highs and lows. That recipe has produced good results, with New Zealand winning three of its last four tests.
Canterbury batsman Tom Latham also comes into the squad for Ryder, who has been axed as cover for Ross Taylor following his evening out with Bracewell.
