The experienced Black Caps seamer was overlooked for the last four one-day-internationals against India following a prolonged form slump in the format.
But he returned to the side for the opening twenty20 encounter against the touring team on Wednesday night and the break appeared to have sparked some dormant hunger in the 30-year-old right-armer.
Southee did not put it quite like that when asked whether he felt he had a point to prove to the selectors.
"Not at all. Any time you play you are going out there to do your job and your role for the team," Southee responded.
"I felt like I've been bowling really well in the nets and for me it was about [transferring] that form in the nets to the game.
"It is a bit different when you've been sitting on the sidelines for a while. To go out there was exciting - a few nerves but it was a nice way to start a big series."
Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert laid the ground work for an 80-run win with a tremendous knock of 84 from 43 balls. The Black Caps posted 219 for six and India's chase unravelled.
Southee had a plenty to do with that. He got the ball to swing in his opening stint and his haul of three for 17 from four overs will have boosted his confidence before game two at Eden Park tonight.
He is a much more dangerous prospect when the ball is hooping about. The key for Southee will be to bowl just as well when the atmosphere or pitch is not offering much assistance.
While he will be hurting having been overlooked recently, he is almost certainly going to be part of the World Cup campaign and the Black Caps will need to find a way to keep their most experienced bowler motivated.
He was overlooked for the first two tests against Pakistan in the UAE late last year but played an important role in the third test to help clinch the series victory.
With Matt Henry impressing in the fifth ODI against India, Southee's spot in the ODI starting XI is no longer guaranteed.
He has much to play for in the next two T20s and the series against Bangladesh.
"There were a number of guys that needed game time [during the ODI series] and I know I hadn't been at my best with the white ball for a while.
"It is never nice missing out but you've just got to make the most of opportunities when you get them.
"It has been the lack of wickets," which has concerned the selectors, Southee said.
"But there have been times in the last year or so when I've thought I've bowled extremely well but haven't got wickets.
"You are always looking at ways to get better and ways to try and improve as a cricketer."
Eden Park is sold-out so there will be a big crowd watching. The famously short boundaries will not help the bowling attacks but Southee is looking forward to the occasion.
"It will probably be the first time Eden Park has been sold-out since the 2015 World Cup, so it doesn't happen too often."
