Black Caps coach Mike Hesson might be wondering the same thing.
Neesham has been named in the 15-strong Black Caps test squad for its tour of India.
His inclusion comes at the expense of Canterbury quick Matt Henry, and the selectors have opted to persist with Martin Guptill at the top of the batting order, which means Auckland's Jeet Raval misses out.
Neesham has not played in a test since injuring his back during the test against Australia in Brisbane in November.
His recall is certainly no guarantee he will be selected in the starting XI. Spin is expected to feature far more prominently in India but Neesham could potentially still play an important role.
The 25-year-old returned to the bowling crease for Otago in February on a limited workload. He has also had a stint with Derbyshire during the English domestic summer.
Neesham has made a positive impact in nine tests for his country. While he has had only modest success with the ball - 12 wickets at an average of 39.33 - it is the left-hander's ability with the bat that could see him sneak into the side.
He has two centuries to his name, and his very decent average of 38.25 would add value in New Zealand's lower middle order.
The batting falls away after BJ Watling and a seam bowling option at number seven or eight in the order may prove an attractive option for the selectors.
''Jimmy has put in a lot of work to make sure he is physically ready for a return to test cricket,'' national selector Gavin Larsen said.
''Having two pace bowling all-rounders in Jimmy and Doug Bracewell helps the balance of the squad, particularly if playing on pitches which demand a spin-heavy bowling attack.''
Spinners Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig may end up vying for two spots, particularly if Neesham plays. But with the conditions expected to suit the trio, they could all play and that will mean either Tim Southee, Trent Boult or Otago's Neil Wagner will miss out.
Wagner was the form bowler on the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. The 30-year-old took nine wickets in two tests against South Africa at a wonderful average of 16.77, while Boult (five at 40.60) and Southee (five at 48.00) struggled.
And in Zimbabwe, where the batting was more fragile, Wagner took 11 wickets at 17, outperforming Boult (six at 24.33) and Southee (six at 34).
If Wagner is selected, that would break up the Southee-Boult partnership. The pair have been one of New Zealand's best-performed opening combinations.
The New Zealand squad for five ODIs will be named during the test series.
- additional reporting by The New Zealand Herald
